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Lake Forest Library reports rising use, new programs and plans for 2031 centennial
Summary
Library director and board president updated the council on rising circulation, expanded digital lending, technology programs, courtyard revitalization and planning for the library's centennial in 2031.
At the council’s Oct. 6 meeting the Lake Forest Library executive director, Ishwar Laxmanarian, and Library Board President Josh Jackson presented a community update highlighting increased circulation and expanded programs and services.
Laxmanarian said the library saw a notable year-over-year increase in digital item borrowing (about 40%) and reported 230,000 borrowed items and roughly 7,500 active cardholders. He described expanded technology offerings in the library media lab — including wireless hotspots, an automotive diagnostic tool, a smart telescope, 3-D printing and a sublimation printer for fabric/merchandise — and a new vending machine that dispenses books and wireless hotspots at an off-site location to extend access.
The library has expanded hours after community requests, hosts large teen ‘‘exam escape’’ study sessions, numerous reading programs from early childhood through teen and adult audiences, authors’ events, and partnerships with local cultural institutions. Laxmanarian also described ongoing courtyard revitalization and a project to restore and reimagine five historic interior rooms; staff said courtyard drainage installation is underway with landscaping planned in 2026 and further design work on historic rooms to continue into 2026.
Laxmanarian said the library is beginning planning for its centennial celebration in 2031; trustees and staff are evaluating longer-term facility improvements and deferred infrastructure upgrades. He thanked city departments, volunteers and partners including Dickinson Hall, the History Center, Ragdale and Openlands for program support.
Council comments and follow-ups
Aldermen and residents thanked staff for expanded hours and technology offerings; one alderman noted checking out the library's Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 tech items. Council members asked a clarifying question about the borrowed-items-per-cardholder calculation; Laxmanarian explained the active cardholder base (about 7,500) is a subset of city residents and staff is conducting outreach to increase cardholder registration among new families.
Why it matters
The presentation framed the library as a community hub for literacy, technology and cultural programming and described facility upgrades intended to preserve historic elements while expanding capacity for 21st-century services.
